Here just over a year!!

[Guest charlie brickie]

Hi, thought you might be interested in our experience of Adelaide after our first year!!

We arrived in Adelaide in November 2008 and were lucky enough to get Accomodation on Arrival and the meet and greet service which was fantastic. The accomodation was basic but clean and fully equipped, washing machine, crockery, iron etc, the only things you need are bedding towels etc. This gave us a good start and we began looking for a rental. I would advise you all to photocopy your ID documents, lots of copies, and also evidence of mortgage repayments, or evidence of previous rentals to give to the agents. There is a lot of competition for good rentals so be prepared with all paperwork beforehand. The process can take weeks so start asap!! You only have the accomodation on arrival for 12 weeks max.

Also unlock your mobile phones before leaving UK, very difficult to do it here, (we found). We got ourselves a car pretty much straight away, and I found a job as a bricklayer almost immediately so was very lucky. My wife did find the roads here very busy compared to the UK and driving was a bit of a nightmare to start with!!

We eventually got a rental in Happy Valley at $320 per week which is about average for a three bed property and the kids started school. I joined a martial arts club through which I have found lots of friends, the kids, Charlie 12 and Georgia 9 have also joined and our social life is now much better. The kids have also joined Nippers (life saving and surf club) at Port Noarlunga and this is a good place to meet the locals!!

We have now bought a house at Morphett Vale with a pool! Bought a puppy for Christmas, looks like we are here to stay!! Of course we miss our friends and family back home but have no regrets at all. Life here is good, the kids are happy and there is plenty to do if you go and look for it. We also miss the english sense of humour but its a small price to pay!! Happy to give more info if anyone needs it!! Charlie, Tricia, Charlie jnr 12 and Georgia 9. (Alfie the puppy)!!

[Guest Guest75]

Congratulations!!!!

 

Looks like you really have settled down now.

That first year is the worst so well over it now.

 

Here's to many more happy years.

 

The humour does come eventually , just wait until you meet a mate like mine - Big Al has me in stitches from the word go.

[Guest kelv&haley]

sounds like you've had a very happy first year,congrats,weve been here 12 weeks now,o/h also a brickie and lucky as he also found work straight away!!! i agree with what you say regarding socialising,weve got our eldest boy into moana nippers and he loves it and we get to meet other families too, and kindy and playgroup have also introduced us to lots of friendly people.......

and now the icing on the cake.....a puppy, well down,your making roots and sound like you love it here,hope we are as positive as you after one year here.

[Guest katsmajic]

Congrats and good luck for the future....the second year can be a toughie too tbh, keep your feet on the ground and enjoy it...

 

Kat xx

[Riponian]

Sounds like you have really settled into live here I can't wait to have our own place but you can't do everything at once.

 

Here's to many more years.